Be Mindful: Leave Work at Work

One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to be more mindful. More often than not, I get caught up in the future (thanks anxiety!) and forget to take in / embrace the moment. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) when you induce a state of relaxation, which can be achieved through mindfulness, you can reap the following health benefits:

Increased immune function

Lowered blood pressure

Lowered heart rate

Increased attention and focus

Increased clarity in thinking and perception

Lowered anxiety levels

As I exercise mindfulness in 2018, I want to share some tips that help me be more “in the moment”. I hope that this 8-part series will not only help me be more mindful but help others who deal with anxiety or stress.

#1. Leave Work at Work

I’m sure everyone has heard this one before, but it’s a great reminder. This is probably my biggest struggle. And it’s not necessarily because I complain about work, but because I can carry over my emotions from that workday to my house. For example, if I had a really busy day and I was bouncing from one task to the next, I’ll come home with a “have to get it done” attitude. And unless I’ve already communicated this with Bobby, he gets smacked with a to-do list out the window. This can lead to unmet expectations and, ultimately, an argument.

Before you put your key in the door, just take a deep breath and let go of all the distractions, people, and emotions from work. Try to walk into your home with a clean mindset.

It’s OK if you can’t totally shake the workday away. Just be sure to communicate that with your partner before you get home. If every day is a bad day, then you should probably think about your job. Are you feeling fulfilled? Do you like the people you work with?

“As soon as we wish to be happier, we are no longer happy.” – Walter Landor